By Caleb CentanniKosovo Recognition Continues Growing
Over the last six months, three new countries have extended diplomatic recognition to the self-proclaimed Republic of Kosovo. The breakaway state, located in the Balkan Region of Southeastern Europe, is now recognized by at least 106 U.N. member nations (about 55%). Kosovo's government claims recognition from 107 U.N. members, but one of these has been called into question (see “Disputed Recognitions” below).

The three new states which have recognized Kosovo are Tonga, in January; Lesotho, in February; and Togo, on July 2nd. Tonga is a Pacific Island state, Togo is a small country located in West Africa, and Lesotho is an enclave surrounded by South Africa. None of these countries' governments appear to have confirmed their recognitions, with the information coming only from Kosovo's foreign ministry. However, so far none of them has disputed Kosovo’s claims.

The
Republic of Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but has been
blocked from U.N. membership by objections from Serbia, Russia, and other
countries who see its secession as invalid. In addition to the 106 U.N. members
recognizing Kosovo, its independence is also acknowledged by non-U.N. member Taiwan. For more on Kosovo's special situation, see our first Kosovo recognition report, which also includes
a map of Kosovo's location relative to Serbia.

In addition to this, Kosovo has previously claimed that two other African countries, Nigeria and Uganda, recognized its independence. However, Nigeria clearly stated in March that it did not recognize the breakaway state, and Kosovo's foreign ministry recently included Uganda in a discussion of nations that “have not yet recognized Kosovo”, also indicating that there are only 107 U.N. members currently recognizing the country. Despite this, the ministry's website has still not dropped Nigeria and Uganda from its list of “Countries that have recognized the Republic of Kosova”.

Stay Up to Date: Check for further news and map updates related to Kosovo's recognition by viewing all Kosovo articles on Political Geography Now.